Paula,
Don't get to in-depth at the beginning because instructional planning does take time. So be prepared to teach the entire course but concentrate on several areas that need the most planning. The next time you teach the course pick some other areas and this way you will work through the complete planning process while teach the class several times.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I am a new teacher and can already see the importance of preperation for ease of instruction.I am just a little afraid fo how much time it will take.
Early planning allows you to ensure that the course flows in a logical order and also gives you as the instructor a chance to make any needed changes as you review the syllabus to upgrade or expand on any needed materials or research.It also can be used as a type of check list to ensure all the proper subjects were covered and explained in a way that the student receives and absorbs the material to the fullest of their ability.
Early and comprehensive planning for instructional success is very important for both teachers and students. It gives a clear direction where to start at the beginning of the daily lessons and where to end. Teachers must be prepared for class in order to gain respect from students. A class comprehensive planning will not only benefit students but also result a happy ending for teachers, as well.
Early and comprehensive planning is so important for instructional success because it will lead to the success of a particular course. Instructors who display proper planning gain respect from students and are more likely to have students engage in learning.
Richard,
Great quote and so accurate. We need to know our destination if we are going to know we have arrived.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I think that Yogi Berra had a saying something like "if you don't know where you're going, you'll still be lost when you get there."
You can't do very effective lesson plans until after you've identified your core concepts in a course outline.
Allison,
Yes, it will. Planning lets you focus on the needs of your students because you know you are prepared with the content. This lets you target the learning preferences of your students and keep the course moving forward.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Early planning of future lessons makes it much easier to modify your lesson plans if the students aren't understanding a particular topic or even if a topic doesn't take as much time as you had originally planned for. Early planning assures that you are ready if you need to be flexible with the schedule.
It can build confidence in the students that we have a plan and know where were going allow the class to move along in an orderly fashion.
Lance,
Good planning on your part. We instructors have to have an A and B list because we never know how A is going to work out and if we don't have a B list then we are left with nothing to share with our students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I agree. I have an A list and B list of activities and topics. If there is extra time I have plenty of backup material to push it to the course ending time. Besides accreditation, students get the feeling of urgency that helps motivate them when there is a feeling of time scarcity.
to have everything prepared before starting and have enough time to find new and interesting ways for teaching different subjects
I agree! Students will value your course as seriously as you do! If you are well-prepared and organized your students will model your behavior!
Drew,
So true. This way everyone knows the outcomes when they are accomplished.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
These two elements are important to the learner because they establish a base line and measurable success.
Ann,
So true and so important. These in my opinion sets the stage for success for both the students and the instructor.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
For many reasons I think. It makes the class not seem "thrown together". It gives the students confidence in the instructor. It makes the class run smoothly. Everyone knows what the expectations are up front when a class is planned well.
I agree on this. If you do not have all your documents in order and know them then you will not be comfortable and prepared for the course. You need to know your information.
Shukla,
Good plan. I use a checklist myself for the reasons you state. I want to make sure I don't forget something or don't secure a needed piece of equipment, etc. A checklist reduces my anxiety and stress because I know I have completed my planning for the course.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
